49ers updated roster bubble watch after 2021 OTAs

49ers Bubble Watch: Safety

Lock: Jimmie Ward, Jaquiski Tartt

Strong Bubble: Talanoa Hufanga, Tony Jefferson, Tavon Wilson

Weak Bubble: Marcell Harris, Jared Mayden

Long Shot: Kai Nacua

Tarvarius Moore’s Achilles tear means he’ll start the season on the physically unable-to-play list and won’t be available to the 49ers until the middle of the year, at the very soonest if at all in 2021.

In what’s translated to a corresponding move, the Niners brought aboard former Baltimore Ravens safety Tony Jefferson who, at 29 years old, could be a quality depth piece capable of starting while guarding against potential injuries to the two starters, Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt, who both have extensive injury histories anyway.

Jefferson, too, needs to prove he’s healthy, as he suffered an ACL tear back in 2019 and hasn’t played since. But if he’s close to 100 percent, he’ll make the roster.

Veteran defensive back Tavon Wilson’s chances get a bit stronger with Moore out, and San Francisco appears fully invested in the rookie, Talanoa Hufanga, as an in-the-box safety backup and special teams contributor.

While not necessarily locks, those three stand a good chance to hang around and support the starting tandem of Ward and Tartt.